KR20130064103A - Elevator system with rope sway detection - Google Patents

Abstract

An exemplary elevator system includes a first mass that is movable within a hoistway. The second mass is movable in the hoistway. A plurality of elongate members connect the first mass to the second mass. In the event of shaking, at least one damper is positioned to selectively contact at least one of the elongate members. The sensor is associated with the damper. The sensor detects contact between the damper and at least one of the elongate members. In response to the detected contact, the controller adjusts at least one of the elevator system operating modes.

Description

Elevator system where rope shake is detected {ELEVATOR SYSTEM WITH ROPE SWAY DETECTION}

The present invention relates to an elevator system.

Elevator systems are useful, for example, for transporting passengers between various floors in a building. Various types of elevator systems are known. Different design considerations depend on the type of components included in the elevator system. For example, elevator systems in high-rise and mid-rise buildings have different requirements than elevator systems in buildings that contain only a few floors.

One problem that exists in many high and mid-rise buildings is that they tend to experience rope shake under various conditions. Rope shaking can occur during, for example, an earthquake or very high wind condition because the building will move in response to the earthquake or strong wind. As the building moves, the long ropes and counterweight associated with the elevator car will tend to swing from side to side. In some cases, rope swings were created when there was a high vertical air flow rate in the elevator hoist. This airflow is associated with the well-known "building stack or chimney effect."

Excessive rope swing conditions are undesirable for two main reasons; They can cause damage to ropes or other equipment in the hoistway, and the movement can produce unpleasant noise and vibration levels in the elevator car.

Various shake mitigation techniques have been proposed. Most include any type of damper positioned to block side-to-side movement of the ropes in one or more locations in the hoistway. Other proposals include controlling the movement of the elevator car during rope shake conditions. For example, US Pat. No. 4,460,065 discloses detecting swinging movement of the compensation rope and consequently limiting the movement of the elevator car.

The present invention seeks to provide an elevator system in which rope shake is detected.

An exemplary elevator system includes a first mass that is movable within a hoistway. The second mass is movable in the hoistway. A plurality of elongated members connect the first mass to the second mass. In the event of shaking, at least one damper is positioned to selectively contact at least one of the elongate members. The sensor is associated with the damper. The sensor provides an indication of contact between the damper and at least one of the elongate members. In response to the indication provided by the sensor, the controller adjusts at least one of the elevator system operating modes.

An exemplary method for responding to shake in an elevator system that includes at least one damper selectively contacting at least one elongate member when a shake occurs, includes sensing a contact between the damper and the elongate member. In response to the sensed contact, at least one of the elevator system operating modes is adjusted.

Those skilled in the art will apparently appreciate the various features and advantages of the examples disclosed from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

1 schematically depicts selected portions of an exemplary elevator system;
2 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary damper; And
3 is a view schematically showing another exemplary damper.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates selected portions of an exemplary elevator system 20. The example shown provides a context for explanation. The configuration of the elevator system components may differ from this example in various aspects. For example, the roping configuration, the location of the rope shake dampers, and the shape of the dampers may be different. The invention is not necessarily limited to the specific elevator system configuration or to particular components of the examples.

Both the elevator car 22 and the counterweight 24 are movable in the hoistway 26. A plurality of elongate members 30 (ie traction ropes) connect the elevator car 22 to the counterweight 24. In one example, the traction ropes 30 include round steel ropes. Various roping configurations may be useful in an elevator system that includes features designed according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, traction ropes may include flat belts instead of circular ropes.

In the example of FIG. 1, the traction ropes 30 are used to support the weight of the counterweight 24 and the elevator car 22 and to propel them in the desired direction in the hoistway 26. The elevator mechanism 32 includes a traction sheave 34 which, for example, rotates to cause the desired movement of the elevator car 22 to cause movement of the traction ropes 30. Exemplary arrangements include a deflector or idler sheave 36 to guide the movement of the traction ropes 30. The example shown includes a single wrap configuration. Other roping configurations are possible, which has a return loop around the traction sheave with the traction ropes 30 so that the effective winding angle on the traction sheave 34 and the idler sheave 36. It includes a double winding traction that increases the effective wrap angle.

Upon movement of the elevator car 22 under certain conditions, the traction ropes 30 can move laterally (ie, shake) in an undesirable manner. The traction sheave 34 is intended to cause longitudinal movement of the traction ropes 30 (along the lengths of the ropes). Lateral movements (crossing the direction of the longitudinal movements), for example, may generate vibrations that reduce the ride comfort of passengers in the elevator car 22, create unpleasant noise, and reduce wear and life of the elevator ropes. It is not preferable because it may cause. In addition, the ropes may become entangled with other equipment or structural members in the hoist under certain circumstances.

The portion 38 of the traction ropes 30 between the elevator car 22 and the traction sheave 34 may be provided with certain elevator operating conditions (eg, while the elevator is running), certain building conditions, certain hoistway conditions or these. Will have a tendency to move laterally under two or more combined conditions. For example, the traction ropes 30 may tend to shake if the building is shaking while the elevator car 22 is windy on a windy day from the lower floor of the building to one of the highest floors. The portion 38 can move laterally, in particular in a manner that causes vibration of the elevator car 22 as the length of the swinging rope becomes shorter during normal elevator operation. This lateral movement or shake is schematically illustrated in the "lateral direction" (according to the figure) by dashed line 38 'in FIG. Also, lateral movement in and out of the page is possible (according to the drawing).

Exemplary elevator system 20 includes at least one damper 50 that mitigates the amount of rope shake to minimize the amount of vibration of elevator car 22. The damper 50 is in a fixed position relative to the hoistway 26. In this example, the damper 50 is supported on the structural member 53 of the hoistway 26, such as a layer associated with the machine room housing the machine part 32. The damper 50 reduces the amount of rocking or lateral movement of the portion 38 of the traction ropes 30 by contacting at least some of the traction ropes 30 in a fixed position of the damper if there is sufficient rope swing. Let's do it. The damper absorbs the vibration energy of the traction ropes 30, for example so that the energy does not turn into vibrations of the elevator car 22.

Sensor 52 is associated with damper 50. The sensor 52 detects contact between at least one of the ropes 30 and the damper 50. The sensor provides an indication of this contact to the elevator controller 54. In accordance with the indication, the elevator controller 54 adjusts at least one of the elevator system operating modes in response to the shaking condition resulting in the resulting indication from the sensor 52.

Another portion 56 of the traction ropes 30 is present between the counterweight 24 and the idler sheave 36. There may be shake or lateral movement in the portion 56 of the traction ropes 30. The example of FIG. 1 includes a damper 60 in a fixed position relative to the hoistway 26 to at least reduce the amount of shaking in the portion 56. Damper 60 has an associated sensor 62 that provides an elevator controller 54 with an indication of contact between at least one traction rope 30 and damper 60.

The illustrated elevator system 20 includes a plurality of compensation ropes 70 (eg, elongate members such as circular ropes). There is a portion 72 of the compensating ropes 70 between the sheave 78 and the counterweight 24 near the opposite end of the hoistway relative to the end of the hoistway in which the machine part 32 is located. Since the portion 72 of the compensation ropes 70 can be shaken or laterally moved under certain elevator operating conditions, the damper 80 is provided in a fixed position relative to the hoistway 26. The damper 80 in this example is supported on the structural member 84 of the hoistway, for example the part of the building near the pit where the sheave 78 is located. Damper 80 has an associated sensor 82 in communication with elevator controller 54. The sensor 82 provides an indication of the shaking of the portion 72 when the compensating rope 70 contacts the damper 80.

Another portion 86 of the compensating ropes 70 is between the elevator car 22 and the sheave 92. In this example, the damper 94 is supported on the structural member 84 of the hoistway 26. Damper 94 has an associated sensor 96 that communicates with elevator controller 54 like other example sensors.

Some exemplary elevator systems will include all dampers 50, 60, 80 and 94. Other exemplary elevator systems will include only one selected of dampers or other dampers at other locations. Still other exemplary elevator systems will include different combinations of a plurality of selected dampers among the exemplary dampers. Those skilled in the art will, in light of this description, realize the positions and configurations of the dampers to meet their specific needs.

2 shows one exemplary damper 50. The configuration of the dampers 60, 80, and 94 of FIG. 1 may be the same as that shown in FIG. 2, for example. The damper 50 shown is impact members 102 and 104 positioned to space the traction ropes 30 during acceptable elevator operating conditions (eg, desired longitudinal movement of the ropes without lateral movement). ). The fixed position of the damper 50 outside the travel path of the elevator car 22 and the clearance between the ropes and the impact members allow the damper 50 to allow the impact members 102 and 104 to be traction ropes at any time. It is held in a fixed position ready to mitigate undesirable shaking of (30). In other words, the damper 50 is substantially passive in that it does not have to be actively deployed or moved to a position to perform the anti-shake function. In another example, the damper is actively disposed or moved to the shake relief position under selected conditions. The damper 50 is positioned to dampen the rope shake level whenever the rope shake occurs.

The impact members 104 and 102 in this example are the traction rope 30 resulting from contact between the traction ropes 30 and the impact members 102 and 104 resulting from the lateral movement of the traction ropes 30. Bumpers with rounded surfaces configured to minimize any wear on the pads. The spacing between the impact members 102 and 104 and the traction ropes 30 may be any distance between them except under conditions in which undesirable positive lateral movement of the ropes 30 is occurring. Minimize contact.

In the example shown, the damper frame 106 supports the impact members 102 and 104 in the desired position to maintain a gap from the traction ropes 30 under many elevator system conditions. The example shown includes mounting pads 108 between the frame 106 and the structural member 53 of the hoistway. The mounting pads 108 reduce the transmission of vibrations resulting from the impact between the traction ropes 30 and the impact members 102 and 104 to the structure 53, which minimizes the possibility of noise being transferred into the hoistway. do. In the example shown, the spacing between the impact members 102 and 104 is smaller than the spacing provided in the gap 110 in the layer or structural member 53 through which the traction ropes 30 pass. The spacing between the impact members 102 and 104 is closer than the size of the gap 110 such that the traction ropes 30 may contact the impact members 102 and 104 before any contact with the structural member 53 occurs. To ensure that.

In one example, the impact members 102 and 104 include rollers that roll about an axis in response to contact with the traction ropes 30 moving under rocking conditions.

In this example, the sensor 52 includes sensor elements 52a that detect when the associated impact member 102 or 104 rotates as a result of contact with the moving traction rope 30. This contact will occur if there is a lateral or lateral movement of at least one of the traction ropes 30 under rocking conditions. One exemplary sensor element 52a includes a potentiometer that provides an analog signal indicative of the amount of rotation of the associated impact member. Another exemplary sensor element 52a includes a rotary encoder. In addition, the sensor elements 52a may provide information regarding the amount of time during which the impact members 102 and 104 are rotating as a result of contact with the traction rope 30.

An indication of the amount of rotation, the amount of time while the rotation is taking place, or both, can provide information to the elevator controller 54 regarding the severity of the shake condition. For example, relatively minor shaking will lead to a smaller amount of rotation of the impact member as compared to larger shaking or shaking occurring over a longer period of time. Similarly, the length of time that the impact members 102 and 104 are rotating represents the amount of shaking in the traction rope 30, which is a continuous contact between the impact member and at least one of the traction ropes 30. This is because it represents ongoing sway conditions. Thus, the example shown may provide an indication of the amount of shaking to elevator controller 54 so that elevator controller 54 may respond by changing at least one or more operating parameters of elevator system 20 to cope with the shaking condition.

One example is using the elevator controller 54 to slow down the movement of the elevator car 22 and to limit the length of elevator travel to the upper or lower platforms, depending on the size of the indication from the sensor 52. To stop the elevator car 22, to move the elevator car 22 to a designated position in the hoistway 26, which is considered an advantageous position during shaking conditions, to advance the elevator car 22 to the closest landing. And causing the elevator car doors to open to allow passengers to exit the elevator car, or a combination of one or more of them.

In one example, the impact members 102 and 104 comprise an elastic material that absorbs some of the energy associated with the lateral movement of the traction ropes 30. This absorption of energy reduces the amount of shaking and elevator body vibrations.

This example includes additional sensor elements 52b that provide an indication of the force associated with the contact between the impact members 102 and 104 and at least one of the traction ropes 30. For example, a strain gauge or load cell is associated with the impact members to indicate the force exerted on the impact members resulting from contact with the traction rope. This indication of force provides additional information to controller 54 regarding the severity of the shaking condition. For example, a greater amount of shake will exert a greater force.

The elevator controller 54 in one example adjusts at least one or more parameters of the elevator system 20 based on the severity of the shake condition as indicated by the signals from at least one of the sensor elements 52a or 52b. It is programmed to choose the method. One example includes programming the elevator controller 54 to select an appropriate reaction action based on preset sensor outputs. Those skilled in the art will, in view of this description, realize a manner of selecting appropriate elevator control operations in response to different shaking conditions to meet the needs of their particular situation.

In one example, the controller continuously monitors the output from one or more of the sensors 52, 62, 82, and 96 to effectively cancel the adjustments caused by the detected rope shake, or to cancel system operation. Reset to normal operating conditions. Once the sensor outputs information indicating that shaking conditions have ceased, the elevator system 20 can resume normal operation.

3 shows another exemplary damper configuration, wherein the impact members 102 and 104 are rollers that rotate in response to contact with the traction ropes 30 when the ropes are moving longitudinally and laterally. In this example, the frame 106 is configured to allow lateral movement of the impact members 102 and 104 in response to contact with the traction ropes 30. A biasing member 112 keeps the impact members 102 and 104 in a rest position, where they maintain a gap from the traction ropes 30 under most conditions. . In one example, the biasing member 112 includes a mechanical spring, a gas spring or a hydraulic shock absorbing device. The impact between one of the impact members 102, 104 and the traction ropes 30 tends to push the impact member away from the other against the deflection of the bias member 112. This configuration provides additional energy absorption properties that further reduce the amount of vibrational energy in the rope 30 because the energy is used to overcome the deflection of the deflection member 112.

As can be appreciated from the figure, as the traction rope 30 moves longitudinally as indicated by arrow 114 and laterally as indicated by arrow 116, one of the impact members 102 or Any contact between the 104 and the traction ropes 30 will cause a rotation, as schematically indicated by arrow 118, against the deflection of the biasing member 112 (eg, arrow 116). Direction of the impact members will tend to push away from each other.

In this example, the sensor elements 52a provide an indication of the amount of lateral or lateral movement of the impact members 102 and 104. In one example, a linear transducer is used to detect the amount of movement of the impact members 102 and 104 away from each other. Another example includes a proximity switch. In addition, the example of FIG. 3 includes sensor elements 52b such as a rotary potentiometer or rotary encoder that provides an indication of the amount of rotation of the impact members 102 and 104 in response to contact with the traction rope 30.

Another sensor element 52c is associated with the biasing member 112. Sensor element 52c detects the amount of force associated with the contact between impact members 102 and 104 and traction rope 30 by detecting the amount of corresponding movement of portions of deflection member 112. In view of the information relating to the forces associated with the deflection of the biasing member 112, the amount of movement of the components of the biasing member 112 can be interpreted as the amount of force required to cause this movement. In another example, sensor element 52c directly measures the force associated with overcoming the deflection of deflection member 112.

In addition, the example of FIG. 3 includes sensor elements 52d, such as a load cell or strain gauge, that detect a force exerted on the impact members 102 and 104 as a result of contact with the traction rope 30.

The various sensor elements 52a-52d of FIG. 3 can be used individually or in combination of two or more of these sensor elements. The example of FIG. 3 shows how various different sensors can be integrated into a damper device to provide feedback information regarding shaking conditions causing contact between the elongate member and the damper in the elevator system. This feedback information is useful for adjusting operating parameters of the elevator system 20.

One feature of the disclosed examples is that the indication provided to the elevator controller 54 can be customized to meet the specific needs of a particular embodiment. For example, analog signal feedback can be used to provide amplitude information (eg, the amount of movement or the amount of force) useful for determining about the severity of the shake condition. This can provide additional useful information compared to a digital configuration that can only provide an indication that a shake is occurring. Of course, some implementations of the invention will include digital signal outputs from one or more sensors to achieve responsive adjustment of elevator system operation to cope with shaking conditions. In at least one example, a combination of analog and digital signals is used. The function of providing information regarding the severity of the shake condition allows the elevator controller 54 to tailor the response of the elevator shake 54 to the current shake conditions in the hoistway 26.

Any one of the dampers 50, 60, 80 or 94 may have a configuration as shown in FIG. 2 or 3. Of course, other configurations of these dampers are possible, and the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific configuration of the damper itself. Similarly, the shape or arrangement of the sensor 52 may differ from the examples disclosed to meet the needs of a particular embodiment.

In another example, at least one of the dampers 50, 60, 80, and 94 includes a rope guard supported on the corresponding structure 53 or 84, such as the ropes 30, 70, To protect against damage to the hoistway structure, or both. A suitable one of the disclosed exemplary sensors is associated with the rope guard damper to provide an indication of contact between the rope and the damper as described above. In some instances, these rope guard dampers comprise sheet metal, and the sensor is associated with the sheet metal in a manner that detects at least one of shock vibration, force, or radiated noise.

The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting in nature. Those skilled in the art can clearly see variations and modifications to the disclosed examples without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of legal protection provided for in the present invention can only be determined by the following claims.

Claims (20)

An elevator system comprising:
A first mass movable in the hoistway;
A second mass moveable in the hoistway;
A plurality of elongated members connecting the first mass to the second mass;
At least one damper selectively contacting at least one of the elongate members in response to a lateral movement of at least one of the elongate members;
A sensor for detecting contact between at least one of the elongate members and the damper; And
And a controller for controlling at least one of the elevator system operating modes in response to the detected indication of the contact. The method of claim 1,
And the sensor provides an indication of the movement of the at least one damper resulting from contact with at least one of the elongate members. 3. The method of claim 2,
The sensor provides an indication of the rotational movement of the damper. 3. The method of claim 2,
And the sensor provides an indication of lateral movement of the damper. 3. The method of claim 2,
And the sensor provides an indication of acceleration of the at least one damper. The method of claim 1,
The sensor detects a force exerted on the damper resulting from contact with at least one of the elongate members, the sensor providing an output that is an indication of the detected force. The method of claim 1,
And the sensor detects noise associated with contact between at least one of the elongate members and the damper. The method of claim 1,
The controller is responsive to the detected contact,
Elevator body movement speed or
An elevator system for adjusting at least one of the positions of elevator bodies in the hoistway. The method of claim 1,
The sensor provides an indication of at least one characteristic of the detected contact between at least one of the elongate members and the damper. The method of claim 9,
The controller selects at least one of the elevator system operating modes for adjustment based on an indication from the sensor. The method of claim 9,
The at least one characteristic comprises at least one of a length of time the contact is detected, a force exerted on the damper resulting from the contact, and the number of times the detected contact occurs. The method of claim 1,
The damper
A rope sway mitigation damper, wherein the damper is supported at a selected position in the hoistway useful for reducing shake of the elongate members, or
An elevator comprising at least one of a rope guard damper supported on a surface and protecting from the elongate members or potential damage to the surface that may arise from direct contact between the elongate members and the surface; system. A method of reacting to shake in an elevator system comprising at least one damper configured to selectively contact at least one elongate member when shake occurs:
Sensing contact between the damper and the elongate member; And
In response to the sensed contact, adjusting at least one of the elevator system operating modes. The method of claim 13,
Detecting the lateral movement of the damper resulting from contact with the at least one elongate member. The method of claim 13,
Sensing rotational movement of the damper resulting from contact with the elongate member. The method of claim 13,
Sensing acceleration of the damper resulting from contact with the elongate member. The method of claim 13,
Providing an indication of at least one of a length of time that the contact is detected, a force applied on the damper resulting from the contact, and a number of times the detected contact occurs. The method of claim 13,
Sensing a force exerted on the damper resulting from contact with the elongate member. The method of claim 13,
Sensing noise associated with contact between the elongate member and the damper. The method of claim 13,
In response to the sensed contact,
Elevator body movement speed or
Adjusting at least one of the position of the elevator car within the hoistway.

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